Council Approves Survey, Design work for Lincoln Place

The Madison Borough Council passed a resolution to contract a survey and design work for a possible upgrade and beautification project for Lincoln Place.

The vote, which passed 6-0 with a package of other resolutions in the consent agenda, came after Main Street Executive Director Jim Burnet gave a presentation to the council outlining what the survey and design work would accomplish.

With members of the Chamber of Commerce and Madison business community in attendance, Burnet also detailed possible upgrades with a 3-dimensional digital model, which he displayed through a projector connected to a laptop.

The model came from the project for public spaces study and place making workshop discussion.

Burnet said the study was to help build a consensus from all stakeholders in the project and to help the same individuals understand more about the process of making an area like Lincoln Place "a great space."

The council appeared to be impressed with the presentation, as well as supportive of awarding the contract even before it got to a vote.

"It is one of our gateways in town," said Councilman Dr. Vincent Esposito, who said he is a big proponent improving Lincoln Place. "They just finished landscaping at the train station. It is a very busy area and this will also help on safety issues. It will become a little bit more pedestrian friendly."

Logistical questions were asked of Madison engineer Bob Vogel. Vogel said that there would be considerable infrastructure work necessary, such as sewer and water upgrades, if the project eventually went through, but that he felt the project was worthwhile for the borough.

Mayor Mary-Anna Holden brought up an idea that was discussed at the latest Downtown Development Commission meeting, which is that since Lincoln Place is a PSE&G high-priority road when it comes to infrastructure upgrades, that it may be possible to receive financial consideration from the energy company.

"So the opportunity is there for them to pay for some of the cost," Holden said.

Business leaders, such as John Morris, owner of Stewart-Morris and president of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke during the meeting in support of the survey work, which will be awarded to Pennoni Associates of Cedar Knolls, and any possible project.

"It was a cross section of residents, employees of the borough, people with businesses, people who pay taxes," Morris said of the group that studied the area at Lincoln Place. "What I can gather from that section is everyone supports taking the next step and working on a Lincoln Place plan and getting it done as soon as possible."